Breaking the taboo of intimate issues Britons are renowned for avoiding the doctor's surgery, but being aware of body changes can save your life W omen's health crosses many different specialities and covers conditions that occur frequently in women, such as osteoporosis and autoimmune diseases, or that present differently in women compared to men, like heart disease and irritable bowel syndrome. In the US and throughout Europe, a visit to the gynaecologist is routine - not just when something goes wrong or you have symptoms that need addressing. But Britons are timid - people delay visiting the doctor for fear of wasting time and are too shy to discuss intimate issues. This has to change and women need to take more control of their health. UK cancer survival rates are among the worst in Europe Cultural factors may be a big reason as to why people don't see their doctor. A recent landmark report showed the UK fared worse than all other countries polled. Although the traditional British 'stiff upper lip' may explain lower cancer survival rates in the UK compared to the rest of Europe, women must be encouraged to pursue health concerns and watch out for symptoms. Just matching Europe's cancer survival rate would save 5,000 lives a year in the UK. Lack of awareness Sadly, symptom recognition is worryingly low and misdiagnosis is common. A typical family doctor will see only eight or nine patients a year with cancer and many are missed. A recent NHS survey found a quarter of people diagnosed with cancer had seen their GP at least three times before being sent to a specialist. Nearly one in four are diagnosed in A&E departments, when outcome is often poor. It's not all bad Improvements in treatments are raising women's quality of life. New treatments and advances in robotic surgery and technology mean that women can return to normal life after as little as two weeks after major surgery - important for people who work and have families to consider. Cancer survival rates continue to improve as